Our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Maxine Marie Rodman went on to her new heavenly home on March 13, 2024.
Mom was a sweet, kind and loving person. She was a great example of one who daily strove to live a Christ-like life. She touched many people in her life with the love of her Savior and made friends far and wide.
Mom was born in Spokane, Washington, and was adopted at six weeks by her beloved parents, Frank and Elva Culver. She was gifted with a talent for music, learning to play the piano and accordion. She performed her first recital at 6 years of age on the new piano her parents purchased for her. This piano now resides at granddaughter Erica’s home, where it continues to put forth joyful music.
Music was what brought Mom and Dad together, singing in choir and on the radio. Howard Frederick Rodman and Maxine Marie Culver were married on June 3, 1950, in Spokane. Soon after, the family began to grow with sons and daughters Raeann, Kevin, Lynn, David and Neal. In 1962, Mom and Dad moved to Woodland to become administrators of the Presbyterian retreat and summer camp facility at Cardai Hill. As children, we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful grounds and forest where we spent hours exploring and climbing trees. Later, our family moved to South Pekin Road, and it was there that our parents continued to live for many years along with a new foster brother, Warren.
In 1969, Mom became the Woodland Elementary School music teacher and continued in this role for over 20 years, later teaching at Woodland Christian School for over five years. She was a beloved teacher to thousands of students. Many recall her as their favorite instructor.
Later, Mom became Dad’s primary caregiver when he became disabled with Parkinson’s disease. As a devoted wife, she faithfully cared for him with love and kindness until his passing in 2005. They were married for 54 years. Her daughter, Lynn, also passed away later that year, and daughter, Raeanne, passed in 2022.
After 50-plus years of residing on South Pekin Road, Mom transitioned to the Woodland Care Center and continued to make many more friends.
In Mom’s later years, she remained active with a sharp mind at her church, community events, and savage games of Rummikub. In 2014, she was named Woodland Citizen of the Year, definitely a well-earned honor.
Mom’s legacy exemplified a godly woman living intentionally as unto the Lord (Phil. 1:6). She will be missed by those who are left behind. We know that she is rejoicing, as she is reunited with Dad, Raeann, Lynn and grandsons Ryan and Silas.
Our family wishes to thank the Woodland Care Center and Kaiser Hospice for their wonderful and loving attention given to Mom. It was evident that they truly cared for her and went above and beyond to bring comfort to Mom.
Maxine is survived by sons, Kevin (Theresa), David (Diane), Neal (Dawn) and Warren (Martha); sons-in-law Randy (Lynn) and Rick (Raeann); sister-in-law, Nancy; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. April 13, 2024, at Grace Community Church in Woodland. Donations can be made to Grace Community Church’s building fund.
